This research has lead to discussions about whether or not women are really using computers less than men or if women merely tend to use computers in different ways than men. Many sociologists now suggest that women prefer to approach computers as a way of accomplishing tasks while men tend to enjoy experimenting and playing with computers and their programming. Though the mainstream press has been quick to distill this debate into statements such as "females. seem to think that machines were meant to be used, like the microwave oven or the dishwasher," (Kantrowitz 50) this debate opens much more complex issues as how available computers are to girls and how are they encouraged to use them. .
Though the debate over the gender gap in computer programming may be far from resolved, sociologists only recently have begun to recognize that women are not discouraged by all types of computer use. Women do not seem to feel discouraged from using computers as tools to complete tasks. Tools such as word processing software are less sex stereotyped than say computer games, and are commonly used by women. Software tools are perceived to be more relevant to other, non-computer related activities, so women actually are more likely to take future coursework in word processing programs and other software tools. (Lockheed 120) .
As the Internet and commercial on-line services have become more easily accessible to those outside the computer field, women have been increasing in number on-line. As research and communication tools through e-mail, newsgroups, and the World Wide Web have increased in popularity and efficiency, women have overcome sex stereotypes and social stigmas about computer use and begun to become active on the Internet. Once surmounting their own personal obstacles to getting on-line, however, the female cybernaut must overcome the many barriers of a male centered technology. .
Few could argue that the Internet and popular on-line computer services produce a welcoming atmosphere for women.
